ICC World Cup Warm-Up Match Schedule Confirmed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the schedule of warm-up matches ahead of the 2011 World Cup, which will be held next year in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

The tournament gets underway on 19th February when hosts Bangladesh meet 1983 champions India and the final is to be held on 2nd April in Mumbai.

The warm-up matches, which last from 12th to 18th February, include intriguing clashes between Australia and South Africa, India and New Zealand and England meet Pakistan.

ICC President Sharad Pawar, looking ahead to the tournament, said:

“Today means that the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is exactly six months away. Let there be no doubt whatsoever that the ICC, along with the three co-hosts, will ensure that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is the best of all the World Cups staged so far.”

Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal added:

“This will be my second ICC Cricket World Cup but definitely the one I am longing for. In front of our own fans, families and friends we have the opportunity to make the country proud and deep inside every Bangladesh cricketer is a burning desire to excel.

“There is no other competition like the ICC Cricket World Cup and it is knocking at our door. Bangladesh will be the centre of the cricket world six months from now and I am excited like anyone. Just imagine what it is like for the kids aspiring to be cricketers?

“The legacy of this ICC Cricket World Cup will be ours to cherish and my message to the public is to make every moment memorable and share your enjoyment with others. You may not get another chance.”